Nuclear waste - Environment Minister wants faster retrieval of Asse waste
In light of the uncertain whereabouts of brine water in the dilapidated Atom Waste Storage Facility Asse in Lower Saxony, Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke is advocating for a swift retrieval of radioactive waste. "I have spoken with the managing director of the Federal Company for Nuclear Waste Disposal about the necessity of accelerating the process - due to the various water infiltrations that the technicians are now investigating and testing", stated the Green politician in an interview with NDR Info. Lemke is visiting the Asse today.
The retrieval is an extreme challenge, as nothing like this has been done worldwide before. It was never planned that the waste from the Asse would be retrieved. However, it is possible and legally mandated. Therefore, it must be pursued, emphasized the politician.
In the shaft facility, there are approximately 126,000 barrels with low- and medium-level radioactive waste in 13 chambers. Due to water infiltration, the facility is considered dilapidated and is scheduled to be cleared out. Experts recently noticed that the water volume at the main collection point is decreasing. It is unclear where the remaining water is.
- Steffi Lemke expressed her concern about the missing brine water in the Salt water-filled Atom Waste Storage Facility in Lower Saxony, highlighting the need for a speedy Nuclear waste retrieval.
- Despite the unprecedented nature of the Mining operation for retrieving nuclear waste, Lemke emphasized its necessity and legality, as mandated by German laws.
- In a meeting with the managing director of the Federal Company for Final Disposal, Lemke advocated for the Nuclear energy sector to prioritize the retrieval process in the face of water infiltration issues.
- The Nuclear waste repository in Lower Saxony, managed by the Federal Company for Nuclear Waste Disposal, is currently dealing with radioactive waste from Aces, requiring careful and timely retrieval strategies.
- With Steffi Lemke leading the initiative, Germany is poised to tackle the challenge of retrieving and safely disposing of the nuclear waste from the Asse, ensuring safe and clean energy production for future generations.
